Head impact energy absorbing sun visor pivot rod connection interface cover

ABSTRACT

A pivot rod connection interface cover for covering the connection interface of a sun visor pivot rod which protects occupants from head impact injury in the event of a crash, yet allows the sun visor to both pivot and rotate in a fully normal and familiar manner. The pivot rod connection interface cover is composed of a base member and a cover member rotatively connected thereto. The base member is affixed to the roof of the vehicle and preferably serves as a pivot rod support which allows rotation of the pivot rod with respect to the roof. The cover member has a preferably hemispherical dome shape that snappingly engages the base member so as to be rotatable therewith and receives therewithin the pivot rod connection interface (ie., including the elbow). Preferably, but not necessarily, internal to the cover member are left and right guide walls which serve as crush features, as well as assistance to guiding the pivot rod therewithin. A visor pivot rod may be integrally connected to the connection interface cover.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is a divisional application ofapplication Ser. No. 10/237,367, filed on Sep. 9, 2002, whichapplication is now presently pending and is a divisional application ofapplication Ser. No. 09/766,770, filed on Jan. 22, 2001, now U.S. Pat.No. 6,494,521, which application is a continuation-in-part ofapplication Ser. No. 09/293,598, filed on Apr. 16,1999, now U.S. Pat.No. 6,179,365, and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.09/669,072, filed Sep. 22, 2000, which application is presentlyabandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to automotive sun visors which arerotatively and pivotally mounted above the windshield. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to pivot rods upon which sunvisors are pivotally mounted, wherein the pivot rod has a connectioninterface (conventionally including an elbow) which is rotativelyconnected to the roof of the vehicle. Still more particularly, thepresent invention relates to a head impact energy absorbing pivot rodconnection interface cover.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Federal motor vehicle standards are being continuously updated.One area of current concern is occupant safety in the event of a crash.Occupants are typically violently moved in relation to the vehicle dueto the inertial forces involved in a crash. Most vulnerable is the headof the occupants. Accordingly, FMVSS 201 has recently been upgraded toinclude a head injury criterion (HIC). In order for vehiclemanufacturers to meet the HIC, additional padding of the interior trimmust be provided.

[0006] One area of the interior of the passenger compartment of a motorvehicle that is particularly dangerous in the event of a head impact isthe elbow of a sun visor pivot rod. The pivot rod elbow is quite rigid,of a small cross-section rod stock which is sometimes plastic covered,and the angle is a sharp ninety degrees. An occupant whose headuntowardly strikes the pivot rod elbow is likely to be injured becausethe energy of the impact will be delivered to a small surface area ofthe skull.

[0007] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an example of a conventional sunvisor 10 is shown. The sun visor 10 is pivotally mounted to the mainportion 12 b of a pivot rod 12. As best shown at FIG. 2, the pivot rod12 includes a connection interface that conventionally has ninety degreeelbow 14, wherein an end portion 12 a of the pivot rod 12 is rotatablymounted to the metallic roof 16 via a cap 18 which is fastened by screws20. As an example of mounting, the end portion 12 a of the pivot rod 12is rotatably attached to a cap 18 in a spring loaded manner via acompression spring 22. The spring 22 provides frictional resistance asthe elbow 14 is rotated with respect to the cap 18. There is a sun visormounted, as described, at each of the left and right sides of thewindshield 24 (only the driver-side sun visor being shown forsimplification).

[0008] As can be seen at FIG. 1, the pivot rod enables an occupant ofthe front seat to pivot the sun visor 10 to a storage location Aadjacent the headliner 28 to a deployed location B so as to selectivelyocclude the windshield 24 along arrow P, which pivoting may well exceedninety degrees. Further, the rotation afforded the elbow 14 allows thepivot rod 12 with its associated sun visor 10 to be rotated from alocation adjacent the windshield 24 to an auxiliary location C adjacentthe adjoining side door window 26 via a rotation along arrow R, arotation which may exceed ninety degrees.

[0009] Accordingly, what is needed in the art is coverage of the pivotrod connection interface which will protect occupants from head impactinjury in the event of a crash, yet allows the sun visor to both pivotand rotate in a fully normal and familiar manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention is a pivot rod connection interface coverfor covering the connection interface (ie., the elbow) of a sun visorpivot rod with respect to a vehicle roof so as to protect occupants fromhead impact injury in the event of a crash, and yet allow the sun visorto both pivot and rotate in a fully normal and familiar manner.

[0011] The pivot rod connection interface cover according to the presentinvention is composed of a base member and a cover member. The basemember is affixed to the roof of the vehicle and preferably serves as apivot rod support which allows rotation of the pivot rod with respect tothe roof. The cover member snappingly engages the base member so as tobe rotatable therewith and receives therewithin the pivot rod connectioninterface with the vehicle roof. The cover member has an exteriorsurface which provides head impact energy absorbance over an area muchlarger than that which would otherwise be the case with respect to aconventionally exposed pivot rod elbow.

[0012] The base member is provided, in a preferred form, with a centralaperture and a plurality of mounting holes (eg., two screw holes). Thebase member further has a perimeter and, in a preferred form, aplurality of resilient upstanding tabs situated at the perimeter. Eachtab curvably follows the curvature of the adjoining perimeter, and ischaracterized by a lower chamfer, and upper chamfer and a apextherebetween, wherein the apex is disposed radially outward in relationto the perimeter.

[0013] The cover member has, in a preferred form, an internal annularslot for receiving therein the upper and lower chamfers of the tabs,wherein the apex slidably abuts the slot sidewall. In this regard, theresiliency of the tabs, coupled with the upper chamfer allow the covermember to snap lockingly onto the tabs and the tabs to be slidinglymovable all along the annular slot.

[0014] The cover member may be a single component or may be a pluralityof components. The cover member serves to cover the pivot rod connectioninterface, as for example by receiving a connection interface includinga pivot rod elbow of an independent pivot rod or receiving a connectioninterface of an integrally incorporated visor pivot rod. For example,the cover member may be composed of an inner cover component which isrotatably connected with the base member, and of an outer covercomponent which is connected with the inner cover component, wherein avisor pivot rod is connected integrally with the inner cover componentand the outer cover component covers the connection interface of thepivot rod.

[0015] The cover member, in one form thereof, has an exterior surface ofa generally hemispherical dome shape, having a portal which may or maynot be defined by a flat-faced portal arch; and in another form thereof,has an exterior surface of a generally curvaceous shape with aflat-faced portal. Internally, the cover member has an interior hollowspace defined by an interior surface. Preferably, but not necessarily,the interior surface is provided with left and right guide walls whichare mutually parallel and straddlingly intersect the portal. Preferably,too, is provided a concave guide wall which extends between the left andright guide walls, and is located centrally relative to the annularslot. The left and right guide walls serve not only as an optionallyincluded extra guidance for the pivot rod (pivot rod guidance isprimarily by the portal and concave guide wall, if present), they serveas crush features which aid impact energy absorbance in cases where theimpact causes deformation of the cover wall of the cover member.

[0016] Operation of a preferred form of the present invention forinterfacing with a conventional pivot rod will now be discussed.

[0017] The base member is attached rotatably to the end portion of apivot rod elbow at the central aperture, and the pivot rod is capturedat the portal of the cover member. Screws then secure the base member tothe roof of a vehicle. Next, the cover member is snapped onto the basemember, wherein the end portion of the pivot rod elbow abuts the concaveguide wall and is located centrally with respect to the annular sidewallof the cover member and the perimeter of the base member. The pivot rodside of the pivot rod elbow is guided between the left and right guidewalls and exits at the portal.

[0018] An occupant can now pivot the sun visor on the pivot rod in thenormal manner. Further, the occupant can rotate the sun visor to theadjoining side door window, in that while the base portion cannot move,the cover portion is rotatable with the pivot rod elbow as the sun visoris rotated in the normal manner.

[0019] In the unfortunate event of a crash, should the occupant bethrown forwardly in a collision course toward the pivot rod connectioninterface (ie., the elbow), the cover member will absorb the energy ofthe head impact over a sufficiently large area to limit the likelihoodof head impact injury. In the event of the head impact that is so greatas to deform or crush the cover member, the left and right guide wallswill serve as crush features that absorb impact energy.

[0020] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to providea head impact energy absorbing connection interface cover for a pivotrod of a sun visor.

[0021] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a headimpact energy absorbing connection interface cover for a pivot rod elbowof a sun visor, wherein the sun visor is both pivotable and rotatable.

[0022] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide apivot rod connection interface cover in which the pivot rod isintegrated therewith.

[0023] These, and additional objects, advantages, features and benefitsof the present invention will become apparent from the followingspecification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an automotiveinterior, showing a prior art sun visor pivot rod connection interfaceincluding an elbow.

[0025]FIG. 2 is a partly sectional, detail side view of the prior artsun visor pivot rod connection interface.

[0026]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of an automotiveinterior, showing a sun visor pivot rod connection interface coveraccording to a first form of the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the pivot rod connection interfacecover according to the first form of the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of a cover member of the pivot rodconnection interface cover according to the first form of the presentinvention.

[0029]FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a base member of the pivot rodconnection interface cover according to the first form of the presentinvention.

[0030]FIG. 7a is a partly sectional view of the cover member, seen alongline 7 a-7 a in FIG. 5.

[0031]FIG. 7b is a partly sectional side view of the base member, seenalong line 7 b-7 b in FIG. 6.

[0032]FIG. 8 is a partly sectional, detail side view of the pivot rodconnection interface cover according to the first form of the presentinvention, shown in operation mounting a sun visor pivot rod to the roofof an automobile.

[0033]FIG. 9 is a detail, partly sectional view of a snapping interfacebetween the base member and the cover member, as seen at circle 9 ofFIG. 8.

[0034]FIG. 10a is a partly sectional top view of the pivot rodconnection interface cover according to the first form of the presentinvention, shown in operation with a pivot rod, wherein a portion of thecover member is cut-away, and wherein the pivot rod is at a firstlocation.

[0035]FIG. 10b is a partly sectional top view of the pivot rodconnection interface cover shown in operation with a pivot rod, whereina portion of the cover member is cut-away, and wherein the pivot rod isnow rotated to a second location.

[0036]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of an automotiveinterior, showing the sun visor pivot rod connection interface coveraccording to a second form of the present invention, wherein the sunvisor is at its storage location.

[0037]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of an automotiveinterior as in FIG. 11, now showing the sun visor pivoted to itsdeployed location adjacent the windshield.

[0038]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of an automotiveinterior as in FIG. 11, now showing the sun visor pivoted to itsauxiliary location adjacent the adjoining side door window.

[0039]FIGS. 14a and 14 b are perspective views of the pivot rodconnection interface cover according to the second form of the presentinvention.

[0040]FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of a cover member of the pivot rodconnection interface cover according to the second form of the presentinvention.

[0041]FIG. 16 is a bottom plan view of a cover member of the pivot rodconnection interface cover according to an alternative aspect of thepresent invention.

[0042]FIG. 17 is a partly sectional, detail side view of the pivot rodconnection interface cover according to the alternative aspect of thepresent invention, shown in operation mounting a sun visor pivot rod tothe roof of an automobile.

[0043]FIG. 18 is another bottom plan view of a cover member of the pivotrod connection interface cover according to the alternative aspect ofthe present invention.

[0044]FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a pivot rod connectioninterface cover according to a third form of the present invention.

[0045]FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the pivot rod connection interfacecover according to the third form of the present invention.

[0046]FIG. 21 is a sectional side view of the pivot rod connectioninterface cover according to the third form of the present invention.

[0047]FIG. 21A is a broken-away detail sectional view of componentinteraction between the base member and the cover member of the pivotrod connection interface cover according to the third form of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 3 through 18, the pivot rod connectioninterface cover according to the present invention will be described,wherein FIGS. 3 through 10b depict a first form of the pivot rodconnection interface cover 100, FIGS. 11 through 15 depict a second formof the pivot rod connection interface cover 100′, FIGS. 16 through 18show an alternative aspect of the pivot rod connection interface cover,and FIGS. 19 through 21A depict a third form of the pivot rod connectioninterface cover 100′″.

[0049] As can be understood by simultaneous reference to FIGS. 3 and 4,the pivot rod connection interface cover 100 includes a cover member 102having, preferably, a generally hemispherical dome shape. The pivot rodconnection interface cover 100 receives the conventional elbow 14 of aconventional pivot rod 12 of a conventional sun visor 10. In thisregard, the sun visor 10 is conventionally pivotally mounted on the mainportion 12 b of the pivot rod 12, so as to be conventionally pivotalfrom adjacent the headliner 28 (at location A) to adjacent thewindshield 24 (at location B, shown in phantom) along arrow P. Furtherin this regard, the pivot rod connection interface cover 100 isstructured to enable rotation of the elbow 14 so that the pivot rod 12and its associated sun visor 10 are conventionally rotatable fromadjacent the windshield 24 to adjacent the adjoining side door window 26(at auxiliary location C, shown in phantom) along arrow R.

[0050] As can be understood from FIG. 4, the large diameter of the covermember 102, on the order for example of about 2 and one-half inches,affords a radius of curvature of the exterior surface 132 a thereofwhich is much larger than that of a naked pivot rod elbow 14.Accordingly, in the event of a crash, an occupant whose head H ispropelled forcibly in a direction F against the pivot rod connectioninterface cover 100, would be far less likely to be injured because ofthe large contact area of the exterior surface 132 a, as compared to anaked pivot rod elbow 14, which has a small contact area because of itsmuch smaller radius of curvature, as well as the compounded dangerassociated with its rather sharply defined ninety degree bend.

[0051] Referring now additionally to FIGS. 5 through 10b, the structureand function of the pivot rod connection interface cover 100 will befurther detailed, wherein it will be noted that the pivot rod connectioninterface cover further includes a base member 104.

[0052] The base member 104 has a central aperture 106 and a pair ofmounting holes 108. The base member 104 has a circular perimeter 110. Aplurality of resilient upstanding tabs 112 are located at the perimeter110, three tabs being shown by way of preference. Each tab 112 curvablyfollows the circular curvature of the adjoining perimeter 110. Each tab112 has a lower chamfer 114, an upper chamfer 116 and an apex 118situated therebetween, wherein the apex is disposed radially outward inrelation to the perimeter 110. The interface of each tab 112 with thebase member provides a resiliency such that each tab may be movedradially inwardly when exposed to a firmly applied force, and willthereafter return to its original shape. A preferred material ofcomposition of the base member is plastic, but a metal or anotherstructurally strong material may be substituted.

[0053] The cover member 102 is preferably composed of plastic, which maybe decorated to match the color and look of the passenger compartmentinterior decor, and although the aforesaid hemispherical dome shape ispreferred, this may be modified by bevels or other pleasingly fancifulshapes provided no sharp corners are created which would raise headimpact injury concerns.

[0054] Adjacent the equatorial terminus 120 of the cover member 102, aninternal annular slot 122 is formed for receiving therein the upper andlower chamfers 116, 114 of the tabs 112, wherein the apex 118 slidablyabuts the slot sidewall 124. In this regard, when the base member 104 isaligned with the equitorial terminus 120 and then pushed into the covermember 102, the resiliency of the tabs 112, coupled with the upperchamfer 116 provide snap lockingly of the tabs into the annular slot122, wherein the base member is rotatable with respect to the covermember as the tabs slide along the annular slot. The resiliency of thetabs 112, coupled with the lower chamfer 114 provide snap unlockingly ofthe tabs out of the annular slot 122, which allows for easy disassembly.

[0055] The nature of a preferred interface of the tabs 112 in theannular slot 122 is shown at FIG. 9. It will be noted that the annularslot 122 is recessed from the equitorial terminus 120 so that the basemember 104 is flush with the equitorial terminus when the tabs 112 arereceived into the annular slot 122. A preferred form of the annular slot112 includes a stair-step 126 which abuts the upper chamfer 116. As wasearlier noted, the apex 118 abuts the slot sidewall 124. Further thelower chamfer 114 abuts the slot corner 128. Additionally, it will benoted that there is a small spacing (to facilitate relative rotationwithout binding) between the perimeter 110 of the base member 104 andthe inner periphery 130 of the cover member 102 at the equitorialterminus 120.

[0056] The interior surface 132b of the cover wall 132 of the covermember 102 is a concave reciprocal of the convex hemispherical domeshape of the exterior surface 132 a. A portal 134 is formed through thecover wall 132. The portal 134 may be defined by a flat-faced portalarch 136, as shown, or by another configuration, such as for apreferably example, a shape which more smoothly merges to the convexityof the hemispherical dome shape. The portal 134 may be circular or, asshown, may be elongated to universally accommodate variously elongatedpivot rod end portions 12 a.

[0057] Internally to the cover member 102, mutually parallel left andright guide walls 138, 140 are connected at both ends thereof toopposing locations of the interior surface 132 b, wherein the center ofthe inner periphery 130 is located equidistantly therebetween and theleft and right guide walls are aligned directly with the portal instraddling relation thereto. A concave guide wall 142 extends betweenthe left and right guide walls 138, 140, and the curvature thereof islocated concentrically relative to the inner periphery 130. The left andright guide walls 138, 140 serve not only as an optionally includedextra guidance for the pivot rod (pivot rod guidance occurs between theconcave guide wall 142 and the portal 134), they serve as crush featureswhich aid impact energy absorbance in cases where the impact causesdeformation of the cover wall 132 of the cover member 102.

[0058] Operation will now be described with particular attention beingdirected to FIG. 8.

[0059] The base member 104 is attached rotatably to the end portion of apivot rod elbow 14 at the central aperture 106. By way ofexemplification, the end portion 12 a of the pivot rod 12 has a slot andtrapped washer 146 at one side of the central aperture, and a springloaded washer 148 at the other side of the central aperture, whereinspring pressure generates a desired degree of resistance to rotation ofthe pivot rod elbow in relation to the base member. Other structuralinterfaces of the base member 104 with respect to the roof and the pivotrod may be utilized, depending on the application involved. Indeed, thepivot rod may be rotatably attached to the roof via an appropriatelyconfigured bracket, and the base member may be connected to the bracket.The pivot rod 12 is captured at the portal 134 of the cover member 102.

[0060] Screws 144 then secure the base member to the roof 16 of avehicle, squeezing any intervening headliner 28. Next, the cover memberis snapped onto the base member, wherein the tabs 112 resiliently snapinto the annular slot 122, as described hereinabove. Now, the endportion 12 a of the pivot rod 12 abuts the concave guide wall and isaxially positioned centrally with respect to the inner periphery of thecover member and the perimeter of the base member. The main portion 12 bof the pivot rod is guided between the left and right guide walls andexits the cover member through the portal.

[0061] As shown at FIGS. 10a and 10 b, the cover member 102 may nowrotate with the pivot rod 12, yet the base member 104 remainsstationary.

[0062] As shown at FIG. 3, an occupant can now pivot the sun visor onthe pivot rod in the normal manner. Further, the occupant can rotate thesun visor to the adjoining side door window, in that while the baseportion cannot move, the cover portion is rotatable with the pivot rodelbow as the sun visor is rotated in the normal manner.

[0063] As mentioned, in the unfortunate event of a crash, should theoccupant be thrown forwardly in a collision course toward the pivot rodelbow, the exterior surface 132 a of the cover member will distributethe energy of the head impact over a sufficiently large area to limitthe likelihood of head impact injury; and, in the event of the headimpact being is so great as to deform or crush the cover member, theleft and right guide walls will serve as crush features that absorbimpact energy.

[0064] Referring now to FIGS. 11 through 15, the pivot rod connectioninterface cover 100′ according to the present invention will bedescribed, wherein like numerals to those previously used for FIGS. 1through 10b will indicate like structural designations in FIGS. 11through 15.

[0065] The pivot rod connection interface cover 100′ includes the basemember 104 as was described hereinabove, and shown at FIGS. 6 and 7b. Ascan best be seen by FIGS. 14a and 14 b, the pivot rod connectioninterface cover 100′ further includes a cover member 102′ having agenerally curvaceous shape. The preferred generally curvaceous shapeincludes a rounded nose portion 150 and a flat-faced portion 152 at theportal 134′. The portal 134′ is open at the equitorial terminus 120′,thereby allowing the cover member 102′ to be detached fully from thepivot rod 12 when snapped off from the base member 104. The generallycurvaceous shape of the cover member 102′ as shown at FIGS. 11 through15 is believed to be the most preferred cover member shape.

[0066] Referring now to FIGS. 11 through 13, it is to be understood thatthe pivot rod connection interface cover 100′ receives the conventionalelbow 14 of the conventional pivot rod 12 of the conventional sun visor10. In this regard, the sun visor 10 is conventionally pivotally mountedon the main portion 12 b of the pivot rod 12, so as to be conventionallypivotal from adjacent the headliner 28, at storage location A toadjacent the windshield 24, at deployed location B. Further in thisregard, the pivot rod connection interface cover 100 is structured toenable rotation of the elbow 14 so that the pivot rod 12 and itsassociated sun visor 10 are conventionally rotatable from adjacent thewindshield 24 to adjacent the adjoining side door window 26, atauxiliary location C. By reference to FIGS. 11 through 13, it will benoted that the sun visor 10 may be configured to recessively fit withrespect to the pivot rod connection interface cover 100′ in a mostaesthetically pleasing manner.

[0067] The cover member 102′ is preferably composed of plastic, whichmay be decorated to match the color and look of the passengercompartment interior decor, and has a generally curvaceous shape withoutsharp corners which would raise head impact injury concerns.

[0068] Adjacent the equatorial terminus 120′ of the cover member 102′,at the inner periphery 130′ is the aforementioned annular slot 122′. Theannular slot 122′ is, as described above, formed for receiving thereinthe upper and lower chamfers 116, 114 of the tabs 112, wherein the apex118 slidably abuts the slot sidewall. In this regard, when the basemember 104 is aligned with the equitorial terminus 120′ and then pushedinto the cover member 102′, the resiliency of the tabs 112, coupled withthe upper chamfer 116 provide snap lockingly of the tabs into theannular slot 122′, wherein the base member is rotatable with respect tothe cover member as the tabs slide along the annular slot. Theresiliency of the tabs 112, coupled with the lower chamfer 114 providesnap unlockingly of the tabs out of the annular slot 122′, which allowsfor easy disassembly.

[0069] The nature of a preferred interface of the tabs 112 in theannular slot 122 was described hereinabove and is as generally shown atFIG. 9.

[0070] The interior surface 132 b′ of the cover wall 132′ of the covermember 102′ is of a generally concave shape. The portal 134′ is formedthrough the cover wall 132′ at the flat faced portion 152. The portal134′ is preferably elongated in a direction normal to the plane definedby the equitorial terminus 120′ and is preferably open thereat.

[0071] Internally to the cover member 102′, mutually parallel left andright guide walls 138′, 140′ are connected at both ends thereof toopposing locations of the interior surface 132 b′, wherein the center ofthe inner periphery 130′ is located equidistantly therebetween and theleft and right guide walls are aligned directly with the portal 134′ instraddling relation thereto. A concave guide wall 142′ extends betweenthe left and right guide walls 138′, 140′, and the curvature thereof islocated concentrically relative to the inner periphery 130′. The leftand right guide walls 138′, 140′ serve not only as an optionallyincluded extra guidance for the pivot rod (pivot rod guidance isprimarily between the concave guide wall 142′ and the portal 134′), theyserve as crush features which aid impact energy absorbance in caseswhere the impact causes deformation of the cover wall 132′ of the covermember 102′.

[0072] Operation will now be described for the pivot rod connectioninterface cover 100′.

[0073] The base member 104 is attached rotatably to the end portion of apivot rod elbow 14 at the central aperture 106 (as was described withrespect to the pivot rod connection interface cover 100). Next, thepivot rod 12 is passed into the portal 134′ between the left and rightguide walls 138′, 140′, against the concave guide wall 142′ and thensnapped onto the base member, wherein the tabs 112 resiliently snap intothe annular slot 122, as described hereinabove. Now, the end portion ofthe pivot rod 12 abuts the concave guide wall and is axially positionedcentrally with respect to the inner periphery of the cover member andthe perimeter of the base member. The main portion of the pivot rod isguided between the left and right guide walls and exits the cover memberthrough the portal. The cover member 102′ is now able to rotate with thepivot rod 12, while the base member remains positionally affixed withrespect to the roof. Accordingly, an occupant can now pivot the sunvisor on the pivot rod in the normal manner. Further, the occupant canrotate the sun visor to the adjoining side door window, in that whilethe base portion cannot move, the cover portion is rotatable with thepivot rod elbow as the sun visor is rotated in the normal manner.

[0074] As mentioned, in the unfortunate event of a crash, should theoccupant be thrown forwardly in a collision course toward the pivot rodelbow, the exterior surface 132 a′ of the cover member 102′ willdistribute the energy of the head impact over a sufficiently large areato limit the likelihood of head impact injury; and, in the event of thehead impact being is so great as to deform or crush the cover member,the left and right guide walls will serve as crush features that absorbimpact energy.

[0075] Referring now to FIGS. 16 through 18, an alternative aspect ofthe present invention is shown, wherein absent are the left and rightguide walls and the concave guide wall. FIG. 16 is like FIG. 5, withlike parts having like numbers, except the cover 102′ now has no leftand right guide walls and no concave guide wall. FIG. 17 depicts a pivotrod connection interface cover 100″ according to the alternative aspectof the present invention, shown in operation, as in FIG. 8, with likeparts having like numbers. This alternative aspect of the presentinvention is applicable equally to any shaped dome, including thecurvaceous shaped dome, as shown at FIG. 18, which is like FIG. 15having a cover 102′″ and wherein like parts have like numbering.

[0076] Referring now to FIGS. 19 through 21A, the third form of pivotrod connection interface cover 100′″ will be detailed.

[0077] The pivot rod connection interface cover 100′″ is preferablycomposed of a plastic material, and includes a base member 302 and acover member 304, wherein the cover member is composed of an inner covercomponent 306 and an outer cover component 308. A visor pivot rod 310 isintegrally connected to the inner cover component 306.

[0078] The inner cover component 306 includes a generally cup shapedannulus 312, including a floor 314, a sidewall 316, an annular outercover boss 318 a and an annular inner cover boss 318 b which are bothslightly elevated relative to the floor, and a peripheral upper-shelf320. The visor pivot rod 310 is connected, via a connection interface354, with the sidewall 316 and projects from the annulus 312 in adirection parallel to the floor 314. A pair of braces 322 a, 322 b,which extend from the sidewall at the visor pivot rod to the floor, arepreferably provided as part of the connection interface 354 forstiffening the visor pivot rod 310 relative to the annulus 312, as wellas for providing crush features for absorbing impact energy. The visorpivot rod 310 may advantageously have an axially extending interiorrecess 324 for receivably accepting therealong wiring for visor relatedelectronics, such as for example a lighted vanity mirror. A cover stud326 projects perpendicularly from the floor and has an engagement barb328 for being secured to the base member 302. The cover stud 326 ispreferably hollow to save material and provide a passage for visorwiring.

[0079] The outer cover component 308 has a cover wall 308′ having anexternal surface 308″ shaped as generally discussed and shownhereinabove, such as for example the hemispherical dome shape or thegenerally curvaceous shape, including a portal 330 formed in the wallcover through which the visor pivot rod 310 projects, the cover walldefining an interior hollow 308′″. The outer cover component 308 snapsonto the inner cover component 306, for example by a tab 332 of theouter cover component snapping into a slot 334 of the inner covercomponent and oppositionally, a pair of groves 336 of the portal 330interferingly engaging a conforming section 338 of the visor pivot rod310, and/or by a plurality of tabs snapping into respective slots.

[0080] The base member 302 has an annular outer base boss 340 and anannular inner base boss 342 which are both elevated slightly above abase plate 344, the base plate having attachment holes 346. A base post348 has a tapering bore 350, depends from the base plate 344, and hasaxial relief slots 352.

[0081] In assembly, the base member 302 is screwably attached to thevehicle roof. A connection 325 is provided, as shown at FIG. 21A,wherein the cover stud 326 is thrust into the tapering bore 350 of thebase post 348 until the engagement barb 328 has passed through the basepost 348 (after causing the relief slots 352 to have temporarilywidened), and is now in interfering abutment with the base post, asshown at FIG. 21. The outer cover component 308 is then snapped onto theinner cover component 306. Alternatively, the base member 302 and theinner cover component 306 may be pre-assembled so as to be eitherpermanently or not permanently conjoined utilizing any interconnectionmodality which allows for mutual rotation therebetween. A sun visor 356may be pivotally attached to the visor pivot rod 310 prior tocommencement of the foregoing assembly process.

[0082] Upon completion of assembly, an occupant of the vehicle isprotected from head impact injury relative to the connection interface354 by the outer cover component 308 via its impact distributing shapeand/or crush characteristics. Further, the cover member 304 is rotatablerelative to the base member 302 in guidance by the outer and inner coverbosses 318 a, 318 b sliding on, respectively, the outer and inner basebosses 340, 342 in cooperation with the cover stud 326 relativelyrotating contactably with the base post 348.

[0083] To those skilled in the art to which this invention appertains,the above described preferred embodiment may be subject to change ormodification. Such change or modification can be carried out withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention, which is intended to belimited only by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sun visor apparatus for being connected to aroof of a motor vehicle, comprising: a sun visor; a pivot rod having amain portion, an end portion, and an elbow therebetween, wherein saidsun visor is pivotally mounted to said main portion of said pivot rod; afirst connection connecting said end portion rotatably to a roof of avehicle; a base member having a central aperture for receivingtherethrough said end portion; a second connection connecting said basenonrotatably to the roof; a cover member having a cover wall having anexterior surface of a selected shape, said cover member having anequitorial terminus, said cover member having an inner periphery formedat said equitorial terminus, said cover wall having a portal formedtherethrough, said cover member having an interior hollow defined by aninternal surface; and a third connection connecting said cover member tosaid base member so that said cover is rotatable in relation to saidbase member; wherein when said base member is connected to said covermember, the elbow is covered by said cover member, and said main portionexits said cover member through said portal; and wherein when said pivotrod is rotated with respect to the roof, said cover member rotates withsaid pivot rod.
 2. The sun visor apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidthird connection comprises: an annular slot being formed in said innerperiphery adjacent said equitorial terminus; and said base member havinga perimeter, said base member having tab means located at said perimeterfor snappingly interfacing with said annular slot.
 3. The sun visorapparatus of claim 2, wherein said tab means comprises a plurality oftabs, each tab curvably following a respectively adjoining portion ofsaid perimeter, each tab comprising: a lower chamfer; an upper chamfer;and an apex between said lower and upper chamfers, wherein said apex isdisposed radially outward with respect to said perimeter; wherein eachtab is resiliently deformable in an inwardly radial direction withrespect to said perimeter.
 4. The sun visor apparatus of claim 3,wherein said plurality of tabs comprises three tabs equidistantly spacedaround said perimeter.
 5. The sun visor apparatus of claim 3, whereinsaid portal has a flat face generally perpendicular to a plane definedby said equitorial terminus.
 6. The sun visor apparatus of claim 5,wherein said portal comprises a flat-faced arch.
 7. The sun visorapparatus of claim 3, wherein when said base member is connected withsaid cover member, said perimeter is juxtaposed said inner peripherysuch that said base member is substantially flushly received into saidcover member.
 8. The sun visor apparatus of claim 5, wherein saidselected shape is a generally hemispheric dome shape.
 9. The sun visorapparatus of claim 5, wherein said selected shape is a generallycurvaceous shape having a rounded nose and a flat face, wherein saidportal is located at said flat face.
 10. The sun visor apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a crush feature comprising a pair ofmutually parallel guide walls connected with said inner surface, saidpair of guide walls straddling said portal and being equidistantlyspaced from a center of said inner periphery.
 11. The sun visorapparatus of claim 10, wherein said third connection comprises: anannular slot being formed in said inner periphery adjacent saidequitorial terminus; and said base member having a perimeter, said basemember having tab means located at said perimeter for snappinglyinterfacing with said annular slot.
 12. The sun visor apparatus of claim11, wherein said tab means comprises a plurality of tabs, each tabcurvably following a respectively adjoining portion of said perimeter,each tab comprising: a lower chamfer; an upper chamfer; and an apexbetween said lower and upper chamfers, wherein said apex is disposedradially outward with respect to said perimeter; wherein each tab isresiliently deformable in an inwardly radial direction with respect tosaid perimeter.
 13. The sun visor apparatus of claim 12, wherein saidplurality of tabs comprises three tabs equidistantly spaced around saidperimeter.
 14. The sun visor apparatus of claim 12, wherein said portalhas a flat face generally perpendicular to a plane defined by saidequitorial terminus.
 15. The sun visor apparatus of claim 14, whereinsaid portal comprises a flat-faced arch.
 16. The sun visor apparatus ofclaim 12, wherein when said base member is connected with said covermember, said perimeter is juxtaposed said inner periphery such that saidbase member is substantially flushly received into said cover member.17. The sun visor apparatus of claim 14, wherein said selected shape isa generally hemispheric dome shape.
 18. The sun visor apparatus of claim14, wherein said selected shape is a generally curvaceous shape having arounded nose and a flat face, wherein said portal is located at saidflat face.